POSTSCRIPT
BY JAYSON MYERS
W
hen Paul Martin quit national politics he didn’t step away from the national policy scene or his interest in Indigenous education.The former prime minister founded the Martin Family Initiative (MFI); a charity that works with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation Peoples to improve education, health, and well-being outcomes for Indigenous children, youth, and adults. MFI aims to support Indigenous students as they learn how to create successful careers. Its AboriginalYouth Entrepreneurship Program introduces Indigenous high school students to business opportunities in the Canadian economy. It teaches students how to nurture their entrepreneurial spirit, improve their financial literacy and communication skills, and gives them an opportunity to explore a variety of post-secondary options. Over 5,000 students have completed the program since its inception 11 years ago. Today, the course is being taught at 50 high schools on and off reserve. It is in such high demand that in 2019, MFI, acting on a request from the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs, launched an Indigenous Entrepreneur Course for adults, based on its high school program. Indigenous education programs like these will shape the future for a large number of young people across Canada. While Indigenous peoples account for about five per cent of our national population, Indigenous children under the age of 14 represent seven per cent of all children in the country. Youth represent nearly half of Canada’s Indigenous population. They are the youngest and fastest growing segment of Canada’s population. In Mr. Martin’s view, “If we want Canada to succeed, Indigenous children and youth must succeed…. Their potential is our future.” Real labour shortages exist everywhere across Canada’s manufacturing sector. That’s nothing new, but the results of every industry survey indicate that the situation is getting worse. Skills shortages are aggravated by the deployment of advanced technologies as manufacturers are turning to automation to compensate 26 Plant / July/August 2021
While Indigenous peoples account for about five per cent of our national population, Indigenous children under the age of 14 represent seven per cent of all children in the country. Youth represent nearly half of Canada’s Indigenous population.
Check out what MFI is doing at www.themfi.ca. And, for more information about how to get involved, contact info@ngen.ca.
work well with other people and value diversity and inclusion among their colleagues. Initiative will be highly valued. They should be curious and like to learn new things. Academic skills – reading, writing, financial literacy, communication skills, critical thinking, research and data analysis capabilities, basic computer skills, as well as knowledge of math and science – are important as well, particularly for employees working with advanced technologies. They are skills that can be applied directly for labour shortages. Competition is in manufacturing. Problem solving – that’s where intough today for any company looking to attract employees with the right novation and entrepreneurship come combination of digital skills, practical in. Students who can find innovative, industry experience, and essential more efficient, and more effective ways workplace skills that it takes to operate of doing things will be highly valued whatever their job is. Practical experia modern manufacturing business. That’s why Next Generation Man- ence and demonstrated ability to work ufacturing Canada is partnering with in teams are also gateways to good jobs MFI to develop a manufacturing com- and valuable learning experience.They ponent in its high school and adult In- help to ground knowledge through exdigenous education programs. NGen perience with real problems. Indigenous students also need supsupport will also allow MFI to expand its entrepreneurship and financial port in developing their digital skills and literacy courses into primary schools improving their comfort level working and set up a summer employment pro- with data and data-based technologies. gram for Indigenous youth. Our aim is Through another of its initiatives, NGen to raise awareness among Indigenous is aiming to provide easy low-cost access students about modern manufacturing to cloud-based online coding courses in Canada and the type of jobs that as well as to robotics and IT network exist in the sector, and prepare them simulations for students across Canada. with many of the skills and some of the It’s a good example of how technology practical experience required to take can enable learning and not just be the advantage of future post-secondary object of education. For the first time, and career opportunities. Indigenous students in remote locaNow, it’s difficult to predict the tions will be able to develop digital skills exact types of skills that will be in and participate in robotics competitions demand in five years’ time. Manu- on their own personal devices, wherever facturers always struggle when asked they are, without downloads that eat up that on surveys. However, we do know scarce bandwidth. However, let’s face it. It’s not just about many of the basic competencies that future manufacturing workers will be students and educators. Manufacturers expected to have. They are the very themselves need to be involved. Teachskills that MFI aims to help Indige- ers are crying out for speakers, mentors, nous students develop in its programs. opportunities to visit manufacturing Let’s start with the basics. Building facilities, tools, and information that can self-confidence is key, particularly make their jobs easier. Also, students are among Indigenous students. Other looking for role models and opportunipersonal attributes are also important. ties that will provide them practical work Companies will expect employees opportunities. NGen will be looking for manuto be responsible, dependable, and reliable. They will be looking for facturers who are willing to volunteer individuals with a high degree of in- as speakers, mentors, and part-time tegrity who want to contribute to the employers. We hope you’ll offer your future. Future employees will need to support. PLANT.CA
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Help build manufacturing skills and entrepreneurship through indigenous education
